By Rick Garrick

THUNDER BAY — Dilico Anishinabek Family Care launched its 2023 Step Up campaign on Oct. 6 by encouraging people to nominate Step Up Champions, attend Brewtiful Connections Coffee events, and wear purple for Dress Purple Day on Oct. 27.

Step Up Champion Wendy Landry, mayor of the Municipality of Shuniah and Red Rock Indian Band citizen, was recognized by Dilico for her family’s stepping up to be foster parents for more than 25 years.

“I have been a foster parent for over 25 years and I have been the chair of the Foster Parent Advisory Committee,” Landry says. “The key part of the campaign is to encourage people to come out and be a foster parent. They could use a stable environment and use loving care. It’s very rewarding for both the foster parents and extended family.”

Landry says her family, which included three children of their own, cared for three foster children, aged one to six-years-old.

“These three little kids showed up at our door,” Landry says. “Fast forward years later and then you have these great adults that are doing their best to get through this world. I would do it all over again.”

Landry says she still continues to support the three adults.

“I’m mom to them,” Landry says, noting that one is in college and one works on the land. “They’re living successfully on their own and doing their thing. They’re still part of our family and come for family dinners. The youngest one will come and babysit the house and the dog for us when we’re away, so they’re still very much a part of our lives.”

Landry says she and her husband have also been doing respite care for two girls “quite regularly” since they were one and two-years-old.

“They’re now four and six and they were hunting with us this weekend when we shot our moose,” Landry says. “So they got to learn some traditional knowledge at the same time.”

The Step Up Champions can be nominated at www.dilico.com/stepup, with the nominators and nominees eligible to win a Step Up Prize Pack that includes a $400 shopping spree at Goods and Co. and lunch.

“Do you know someone who is making a difference in a child or family’s life?” asks Vanessa McLaughlin, director of child welfare at Dilico. “Is there an exceptional worker at your organization or business that goes out of their way to help children, youth and families? Do you know an amazing Gookum, parent, or teacher that is just incredible? Share their Step Up Story with us.”

Dilico is hosting the Brewtiful Connections Coffee events at participating coffee shops, including Bay Village Coffee, Calico Coffeehouse, and Dolce, to provide information about foster parenting and how people can step up to support children and families in the community.

“If you’re unsure about foster parenting, come enjoy a cup on us and learn about what it takes to be a foster parent,” McLaughlin says. “There are many misconceptions about alternative care and we want to hear from you. This is the perfect opportunity if you’ve been thinking about taking on the role.”

Dilico is also encouraging people to share their Dress Purple Day photo by using the hashtag #stepup.

“No matter how big or small, your step counts,” McLaughlin says. “This October, mentor, volunteer, foster, educate yourself, spread awareness, promote inclusivity, dress purple, and celebrate someone you know that is making a difference in a child’s life.”